Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR589

Introduced
7/13/23  

Caption

Calling on the Secretary of Education to work with stakeholders to immediately eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names from State educational institutions, and calling on State educational institutions and national sports franchises to cease the unsanctioned use of such logos, mascots, and names.

Impact

The resolution seeks to reinforce the responsibility of educational institutions to provide an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, particularly those from the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. It advocates for necessary changes in schools, especially those that receive federal funding, to conform to a more culturally sensitive narrative. By eliminating such mascots and logos, the bill aims to improve the self-esteem of Native students and remove barriers to their academic success caused by discriminatory representations.

Summary

House Resolution 589 calls upon the Secretary of Education to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to eliminate race-based Native logos, mascots, and names utilized by state educational institutions. The bill aims to address the use of harmful symbols and terms that are prevalent in over 1,900 educational institutions nationwide. These logos and names, although often unintentional in their derogatory implications, contribute to negative stereotypes about Native Americans and have been shown to have harmful psychological effects on Native youth, as stated in multiple academic studies.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding House Resolution 589 related to differing views on cultural representation in education. Supporters argue that eradicating racially insensitive mascots is a direct step toward combating racism and fostering a healthier educational atmosphere. Critics, however, may express concerns over the extent of governmental intervention regarding school spirit and traditions, fearing it could lead to limited cultural expressions within academic settings. The balance between cultural sensitivity and local school traditions remains a delicate issue in the ongoing discussions around this resolution.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HR649

Calling on the United States to champion a regional artificial intelligence strategy in the Americas to foster inclusive artificial intelligence systems that combat biases within marginalized groups and promote social justice, economic well-being, and democratic values.

US HB646

Quality Basic Education Act; prohibit schools from using Native American names, symbols, or images as school mascots, logos, or team names

US SB507

Race-based nicknames, logos, mascots, and team names; providing an exemption from rule-making and emergency rule procedures; and making an appropriation. (FE)

US AB528

Race-based nicknames, logos, mascots, and team names; providing an exemption from rule-making and emergency rule procedures; and making an appropriation. (FE)

US HR590

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding calling on the President to direct the United States Representative to the United Nations to use the voice, vote, and influence of the United States to immediately promote the establishment of an appropriate regional or international justice mechanism through the United Nations and United Nations General Assembly to investigate and prosecute possible war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of internationally recognized human rights stemming from the conflict in Syria, and for other purposes.

US HR581

Condemning the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and refraining the United States from rejoining.

US HR445

Calling on the Senate to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.

US HR95

Honoring the 106th anniversary of Selfridge Air National Guard Base and the contributions of Selfridge Air National Guard Base to the military and national security of the United States.

US HR672

Calling for sickle cell trait research, surveillance, and public education and awareness, and for other purposes.

US SF584

American Indian mascots and logos use prohibition

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.